Your Birthday
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2017
Keep an open mind and a compassionate attitude when dealing with others. The way you handle personal and professional situations will make the difference between staying in one position and gaining ground. Don’t be afraid to do things differently, but be sure to get approval before you begin.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Keep a sound mind and a positive attitude. If you overreact, you will face opposition that will make it difficult for you to accomplish what you set out to do.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don’t overdo it. You’ll be tempted to engage in something because someone else does, but before you do, get all the particulars, including what it will cost emotionally and financially.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Look for a way to expand your living space or add a work station that will encourage you to develop your skills, learn something new or pursue a new hobby.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Don’t spend money you don’t have. Emotional conflict will surface if someone is counting on you for something you cannot deliver.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Seize the moment and take advantage of an opportunity to make some extra cash. Making a worthwhile investment or cutting your overhead will encourage you to handle your cash more efficiently.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) — A personal situation or partnership will be on shaky ground. A tendency to overreact or take your frustrations out on someone else will put you in a difficult position.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Plan something special with family, friends or a loved one. Taking a break will ease your stress and give you a chance to digest what’s been going on around you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — You’ll be tempted to take part in something questionable. Show strength and discipline to avoid a situation that could put you in a compromising position.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Be upfront about what you are willing to contribute. Helping others will only be satisfying if you see that your contribution makes a difference. Avoid emotional spending.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Situations will escalate quickly. Don’t let your emotions take the reins and get you into trouble with your employer or a loved one. Keep the peace and do what’s expected of you.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Take care of personal business and any family or home responsibilities first. Recognizing problems before they get too big will help counter a negative outcome.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Physical alterations will give you a boost. A change to your lifestyle or to a relationship you cherish will help bring you closer to a stable and secure future.
Lots of food for hungry bridgeurs
Scott Adams, in one of his Dilbert cartoons, wrote, “Give a man a fish, and you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he’ll buy a funny hat. Talk to a hungry man about fish, and you’re a consultant.”
The key word there is “hungry” — this deal has lots of food for discussion. First, what do you think of the auction? Second, what should West lead against three no-trump after the given sequence?
In the auction, some Souths would have opened two diamonds, but with four spades and a void, it would have been debatable. However, West had a clear-cut one-club opening. His count was minimum, but he would have had no rebid problems.
After North opened one heart, East’s overcall was acceptable, especially as he was a passed hand. South might have responded one no-trump, but two diamonds was reasonable as he had already passed. Then the rest of the auction was predictable.
During a duplicate at Bridge Base Online, this exact auction occurred three times. Each time, West led the club queen. South won with dummy’s king, overtook the diamond jack with his queen and drove out the ace, very happy to see the 3-3 split. Now South was sure to take at least one spade, two hearts, five diamonds and two clubs.
The Easts must have been hungry for a new partner! If only West had led his spade, East could have won with his ace and continued with the queen to dislodge the spade king from the South hand, declarer’s lifeline to the diamond suit. Then the contract would have gone down one.